new clip (instrumental metal) - constructive criticism appreciated

[Santuzzo]

I re-recorded a song of mine and worked on the mix and the drum programming.

I'd appreciate any kind of constructive criticism on the playing, mix, sound, tone, the song/riffs, etc.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=945046&songID=10890200



Thanks,
Lars

 

[Santuzzo]

anybody?

 

[Santuzzo]

anybody?

bump in the hope someone will give me some pointers as in how to improve my mixing on this clip!

 

[RaNk]

I would start by doing some adjustments to the drums. First off I'd soften the cymbals. Then make the kickdrum less clicky, and lower sounding. The snare sounds kinda mechanical to me, maybe opt for a sound that is less 'sledgehammer', so it fits the mix more. What would already help alot on the snare is lowpass the reverb, too much highs in the tail making it sound fake. The guitars pump quite alot, I think you have to adjust the compressor on the 2-Bus or put more limiter on it instead, but if the mix is better balanced it's easier to do that. Other than that the guitars might be fine, but they get clouded by the rest of the mix. Maybe take some more low mids off the bass, but I can't put my finger on that to be honest. Nice playing btw, the mix has potential, but needs some work still.

 

[Santuzzo]

I would start by doing some adjustments to the drums. First off I'd soften the cymbals. Then make the kickdrum less clicky, and lower sounding. The snare sounds kinda mechanical to me, maybe opt for a sound that is less 'sledgehammer', so it fits the mix more. What would already help alot on the snare is lowpass the reverb, too much highs in the tail making it sound fake. The guitars pump quite alot, I think you have to adjust the compressor on the 2-Bus or put more limiter on it instead, but if the mix is better balanced it's easier to do that. Other than that the guitars might be fine, but they get clouded by the rest of the mix. Maybe take some more low mids off the bass, but I can't put my finger on that to be honest. Nice playing btw, the mix has potential, but needs some work still.

Thank you very much for your feedback! This is exactly what I need, some ideas on what to improve, and how to actually do that.
I will work on the things you mentioned!

I appreciate your help!

Lars

PS one more thing: do you think the programming of the drums might also contribute to it sounding mechanical?

 

[RaNk]

No problem, hope it is of any help. I think the programming of the drums isn't the problem, it's more in the sound and processing. And some of the cymbals are quite loud, they overshadow the rest of the mix. Basically they should spice up the mix, loud cymbals don't contribute to a louder mix.

 

[Santuzzo]

No problem, hope it is of any help. I think the programming of the drums isn't the problem, it's more in the sound and processing. And some of the cymbals are quite loud, they overshadow the rest of the mix. Basically they should spice up the mix, loud cymbals don't contribute to a louder mix.

Thanks again !